Sai Kung is a former fishing village, now primarily a residential district, in Hong Kong’s New Territories. It’s well worth a visit on a Sunday, when locals take their dogs for a walk along the harbourfront. But when I say the locals take their dogs for a walk, it’s usually the owners doing all the perambulating. Many of the dogs are chauffeured about in prams, and many of the prams have more than just one tiny dog in them. Above, we can see an ecstatic Pomeranian, a bichon frise and an Australian silky terrier waiting for their humble human to buy a small battery-operated fan from the market so they don’t overheat.

She’s changed. Photo credit: Elisabeth Knowles

I’d heard that some dogs rock up to the Sunday saunter in sneakers, but unfortunately it was too humid for pups to do any jogging during my visit. However, I did see a gorgeous Rottweiler in a bow tie and bowler hat (Enya, above), acting as an extremely obedient café mascot. Unfortunately she was too fidgety to get into focus.

Dodopet strollers are doing great business in Sai Kung Town. Baby stroller makers elsewhere in the world, take note. Photo credit: Elisabeth Knowles

While Pomeranians and Australian silky terriers were out in force, there were also plenty of poodles, pugs and American bull dogs, like the gorgeous bench-sitters below. They were incredibly restrained for not chomping on their friend’s frankfurter lead.

While some Western travellers may find the pampering given to these pooches a bit OTT, there is no doubt that every pooch in Sai Kung is well-loved.

Hot dogs on the waterfront. Photocredit: Elisabeth Knowles

Do it yourself

Getting there: Take the MTR to Diamond Hill Station then a 92 bus to Sai Kung Peninsula.

More to do: Sai Kung’s waterfront is home to many great seafood restaurants, but you can also buy fresh seafood straight off the pier.